Losing your job can be an incredibly difficult and stressful experience. When you are fired, it’s common to become overwhelmed with uncertainty about your future and financial security. However, if you were terminated from your position illegally, an experienced Springfield wrongful termination lawyer can help you recover damages from your employer.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we understand the challenges that come with losing your job. Our team of dedicated Springfield employment and labor lawyers is committed to protecting your rights and will fight tirelessly to ensure a positive outcome for your case. Reach out to us by phone or through our website to schedule a free initial consultation.
Understanding At-Will Employment in Massachusetts
When considering filing a wrongful termination lawsuit, it’s important to understand that Massachusetts is an at-will employment state. With at-will employment, employers and employees are free to terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause.
However, not everyone working in an at-will employment state is an at-will employee. Furthermore, some exceptions provide protection to workers against termination under certain circumstances.
Certain categories of workers, such as public sector employees, union members, and those with employment contracts, are not employed on an at-will basis, which means they have additional protections and may be able to pursue a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Public Sector Workers
The majority of government workers employed in the public sector in Massachusetts are not at-will employees. Anyone who loses a government job without just cause will likely be able to pursue legal action against their employer through a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Union Employees
Those working as a member of a union typically have employment rights that extend beyond those of at-will employees. The majority of collective bargaining agreements reached through union negotiations include clauses preventing termination from employment without cause.
Contracted Workers
If your contract states a specific start and end date for your employment, your employer will be unable to fire you before the contract has concluded under certain conditions.
Anyone working with additional protections that extend beyond those granted to at-will employees will likely be able to file a wrongful termination lawsuit if they are fired from their position without cause.
An experienced wrongful termination attorney serving Springfield, MA, can carefully review the details of your situation and advise you on whether you may have grounds to file a lawsuit against your former employer.
For a free legal consultation with a wrongful termination lawyer serving Springfield, call (860) 999-9394
Common Exceptions to At-Will Employment
Even employees who are considered “at-will” have certain circumstances where they are protected from unfair termination. If you find yourself in one of these situations, know you have legal options for fighting against wrongful dismissal. Common exceptions under which you can take legal action include cases involving:
- Discrimination
- Medical leave
- Whistleblowing
- Workers’ compensation claims
Discrimination
At-will employment allows employers to fire employees at any time and for nearly any reason. However, they are prohibited from terminating an employee as an act of discrimination. Federal laws prohibit employers from firing workers due to their age, gender, sexual orientation, race, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics.
Medical Leave
Employers are also prohibited from firing you for taking legitimate time off for medical reasons, including leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Your health and well-being should be supported, not punished.
Whistleblowing
Federal and state laws also extend protection from termination to employees who report their employer’s unlawful conduct. These laws are meant to encourage workers to speak up for what is right without fear of retaliation. If your employer takes action against you after you blow the whistle, an experienced Springfield workplace retaliation lawyer can help.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
You cannot be fired for filing a claim related to a work-related injury. Your employer must respect this legal right and not punish you for accessing your available benefits.
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Additional State-Specific Protections in Massachusetts
Massachusetts provides further safeguards for workers beyond what is available under federal law in certain circumstances.
Public Policy Exemptions
Many states have a public policy exemption that protects workers against termination for actions taken in the best interest of the public, such as:
- Reporting legal violations
- Serving jury duty
- Refusing to participate in any activity that violates the law
- Acting in the greater interest of the public
Covenant of Good Faith
Another common wrongful termination exception that applies in Massachusetts is a covenant of good faith. Under this exception, employers cannot fire you in situations where:
- You are scheduled to receive a raise, bonus, or promotion
- You are about to earn a large commission
- You have received only positive performance reviews and were led to believe that your employment was secure
This list of exceptions under a covenant of good faith is not exhaustive. There are several other circumstances under which your termination would be in bad faith. An experienced Springfield wrongful termination lawyer, can help you understand whether this exception is applicable to your situation.
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Be Mindful of the Filing Deadline When Pursuing a Wrongful Termination Lawsuit
In Massachusetts, you only have 30 days from the day you get fired to file a wrongful termination lawsuit. Although there are certain conditions under which an exception may apply that lets you file later, it’s essential to act quickly and consult an experienced Springfield wrongful termination lawyer who can protect your rights and guide you through the process.
At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, our legal team will review the details of your case to ensure we identify the exact deadline that applies to your case. Your attorney will be sure to complete and file all the necessary documents for your wrongful termination lawsuit well before time runs out.
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Get in Touch With Us Today to Speak With an Experienced Wrongful Termination Attorney Serving Springfield
Securing the services of an experienced lawyer after being wrongfully terminated from your job is the best method for improving your chances of recovering financial compensation. At Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard, we understand the challenges you face and will use every available resource to ensure a favorable outcome for your case.
Contact us by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review and learn more about who we are and the type of service we provide to our clients.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form